Bye Bye Better Naito

According to Central City in Motion, Better Naito is the most heavily used protected bike lane in downtown Portland. Many cyclists, tour patrons, staff, and renters here at Cycle Portland, use Better Naito as an alternative to riding on busy city streets or the crowded East Bank Esplanade. Unfortunately, this is the last month that the protected bike lane will be in place. Come October you can say goodbye to the plastic barriers that we have come to love. The bike lane will become a lane reserved for cars. Better Naito will, once more, regress to Worse Naito.

What is Better Naito?

The bike lane is a key north- south thoroughfare connecting Portland’s downtown to other prominent bike routes along the West bank. Additionally, it leads to some of the most widely used bicycle friendly bridges that span the Willamette. The two-way bike lane is perfect for Portland commuters and visitors alike. Fortunately, Portlanders have a way to efficiently and safely navigate through downtown without fear of cars or pedestrians.

What if we didn’t have to bid Better Naito goodbye?

This fall there will be a vote on a permanent design for Better Naito as part of Central City in Motion. Do you want to tell your local representatives that you are in favor of making Better Naito a permanent bike lane? If so, come down to Salmon Street Fountain tonight, (September 18) at 5PM! There will be a rally hosted by BikeLoudPDX & The Street Trust and you can sign petitions or talk with other cyclists about your vision for Naito Parkway.

What if I can’t make it tonight?

ehankfully, this is the age of iPhones and emails, so you can still make your voice heard even if you can’t go to the rally. We encourage you to email or call your local representatives and tell them your opinions about Better Naito!